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England 1 Germany 1

England were indebted to the pads of goalkeeper Maddie Hinch after surrendering a 1-0 lead to Germany with a lacklustre second-half showing in their second fixture at the EuroHockey Championships.

The occasion was a nostalgic reminder for six of England’s starting XI who three years ago to the day had all played a part in creating history by winning Olympic gold for Great Britain in Rio to send British hockey fans into delirium and famously delaying the BBC Ten o’clock news.

But there was no repeat of that jubilation here. A young Lily Owsley scored the first of Britain’s three goals in that memorable encounter against the Dutch and it was apt that the midfielder was on target again with minutes left in the first half.

Having exploited space so effectively in the build up, the 24-year-old stationed herself near the far post in the centre circle. Her isolation was obvious enough to Jo Hunter who, whipping the ball through a sea of bodies, found Owsley and the Olympian kept her composure to roof her shot into the net.

“I knew if I took it quickly, the goalie was set. I had to wait for her to make a decision before I knew the space was open to put it in, but I’m glad I got it,” said Owsley.

Germany goalkeeper Julia Sonntag leaps to make a saveCredit:
ap

A slender 1-0 advantage at half-time did not reflect the numerous chances and possession that England, who flooded forward to attack the circle with ease from the right flank, had enjoyed. They dictated proceedings for large periods and the raw pace of Owsley and fellow Rio golden girl Susannah Townsend frustrated Germany, who picked up two green cards. Giselle Ansley and Izzy Petter both had efforts saved while Ellie Rayer was unlucky not to turn in Hunter’s cross.

Germany forayed into English territory with greater intent after the break, only to be denied by Hinch, first courtesy of a foot-rebound from a dangerous short corner, before the stopper palmed away a fierce shot with her gloved hand.

Moments later, it was Laura Unsworth’s turn to save on the line, but by then the warning signs were ringing and Germany duly equalised through Hannah Gablac at the end of the third quarter after Anne Schroder found herself unchallenged.

“We’re frustrated because of the scoreline,” continued Owsley, who pointed to similarities in England’s 2-1 victory over Ireland the previous day. “We were one-nil up and should have put it to bed. At half-time we knew we had to get the next goal or they’d come back into it. It’s frustrating, but a point against a good side like that is good.

“It’s all about recovery now, we need to learn from that game because two games in a row we’ve let a team back in so that needs to be a big learning point, especially going into knockout games if we get to the semi-final.”

A nervy last quarter ensued as Shona McCallin cleared off the post and Tess Howard attempted to ignite some vigour with a fearless charge out of the goal to close down another German penalty. England, who face Belarus in their final group game on Wednesday where a win would secure a spot in the tournament’s last four, were relieved at the sounding of the final hooter.